Backgrounder: Government of Canada strengthens business growth in Delta and Richmond

The Government of Canada, through PacifiCan, is investing in B.C. businesses to strengthen local supply chains, boost productivity, and open global markets to B.C. exporters.

Government of Canada strengthens business growth in Delta and Richmond From: Pacific Economic Development Canada

News release The Government of Canada, through PacifiCan, is investing in B.C. businesses to strengthen local supply chains, boost productivity, and open global markets to B.C. exporters. April 17, 2026 - Delta, British Columbia In today’s rapidly changing global economy, businesses across Canada are facing increasing costs and supply chain disruptions.

B.C.’s innovative businesses play a vital role in creating good jobs and supporting vibrant communities. To remain competitive and resilient, they must continue to adapt and seize new opportunities for growth. The Government of Canada is building the strongest economy in the G7 by helping businesses across the country navigate challenging trade realities, boost productivity, and reach new domestic and global markets.

Today, the Honourable Jill McKnight, Minister of Veterans Affairs, Associate Minister of National Defence and Member of Parliament for Delta, on behalf of the Honourable Gregor Robertson, Minister of Housing and Infrastructure and Minister responsible for Pacific Economic Development Canada, announced an investment of over $10.5 million in nine companies in Delta and Richmond to help businesses scale and compete. These investments will strengthen local supply chains, boost productivity and open global markets to B.C. exporters. Today’s announcement was made at Santevia Water Systems, a Delta-based business that designs and manufactures water filtration products.

Santevia is receiving an investment of over $1.8 million to help scale up domestic manufacturing, launch new sustainable products, and expand into international markets while also modernizing operations and sales infrastructure. This investment will support skilled jobs and help Canadian products reach new markets while reducing reliance on single use plastics. Eight additional companies are also receiving funding, including Richmond Plywood Corporation (Richply), a business that produces value-added plywood for construction and industrial uses.

Richply will receive an investment of $1 million to help modernize its facility, which will strengthen domestic supply chains and increase the availability of Canadian-made materials. This investment will help reduce plywood shortages, and support housing and other construction projects across Western Canada. The investments announced today will provide Delta and Richmond businesses with the tools they need to adapt to a rapidly changing global landscape, grow locally, diversify exports, and create prosperity for British Columbians and all Canadians.

More details about all the investments can be found in the backgrounder. backgrounder Quotes "The Government of Canada is helping Canadian businesses stay competitive and resilient. Through these investments, Delta and Richmond businesses will strengthen supply chains, boost their productivity, and reach new markets.

By supporting growth‑oriented businesses – including those tied to Canada’s housing sector – we’re creating good jobs and building a stronger economy for British Columbia and Canada." -The Honourable Gregor Robertson, Minister of Housing and Infrastructure and Minister responsible for Pacific Economic Development Canada "Delta is home to ambitious businesses that are ready to grow – here at home and on the world stage.

With these investments, local innovators are gaining momentum to modernize, reach new markets, and build stable, long-term careers in our communities. When we invest in our local businesses, we fuel Delta’s success, drive B.C.’s growth, and build a stronger Canada for everyone." -The Honourable Jill McKnight, Minister of Veterans Affairs, Associate Minister of National Defence and Member of Parliament for Delta “By supporting growth-minded businesses throughout Richmond, we’re ensuring they remain competitive amidst global uncertainty.

These investments will enable businesses to seize new opportunities, support good jobs, and contribute to a Canadian economy that delivers prosperity for everyone." -Parm Bains, Member of Parliament, Richmond East-Steveston "At Santevia, our mission has always been simple: healthy water for everyone. This support from the Government of Canada helps us take that mission further — expanding our manufacturing right here in Delta, launching new products, and opening doors to international markets.

It's a meaningful vote of confidence in Canadian innovation and in the kind of business B.C. can be proud of." -Matthew Gohl, CEO, Santevia Water Systems, Inc. “Support through the Regional Tariff Response Initiative enables Richply to advance key capital investments that enhance operational efficiency and cost competitiveness.

These investments strengthen our ability to navigate market volatility, build resilience, support good jobs, and position our operations for long-term growth in British Columbia.” -Bhavjit Thandi, CFO, Richmond Plywood (Richply) Quick facts

PacifiCan is the federal economic development agency dedicated to British Columbians.

The investments announced today were provided through PacifiCan’s Regional Tariff Response Initiative (RTRI) and the Business Scale-up and Productivity Program (BSP).

The RTRI is a $1 billion national program to help businesses adapt to trade challenges by opening doors to new markets, boosting productivity, and strengthening domestic supply chains.

The BSP Program funds high-growth businesses in B.C. that are scaling and developing innovative goods, services, or technologies.

Related products

Backgrounder: Government of Canada strengthens business growth in Delta and Richmond

Associated links

PacifiCan

Santevia

Richply

Regional Tariff Response Initiative

Business Scale-up and Productivity Program

Contacts Renée LeBlanc ProctorSenior Communications Advisor and Press Secretary Office of the Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities and Minister responsible for PacifiCanrenee.proctor@infc.gc.ca renee.proctor@infc.gc.ca Lynsey BrothersCommunications Manager PacifiCanlynsey.brothers@pacifican.gc.ca lynsey.brothers@pacifican.gc.ca Stay connected Follow PacifiCan on X and LinkedIn Toll-Free Number: 1-888-338-9378 TTY (telecommunications device for the hearing impaired): 1-877-303-3388 X LinkedIn Tariff relief Public funding British Columbia Business and industry media general public business news releases Hon.

Gregor Robertson